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One in eight women will face breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 40% of those breast cancer cases were discovered by women who felt a lump in their breast through a self-exam. It’s important for women of all ages to understand their bodies and recognize what’s normal and what’s not. When you take charge of your health, you help doctors detect cancer more quickly, and therefore, allow for a more successful treatment plan. Learn how you can start performing a monthly self-breast exam at home for breast cancer prevention and detection.

Performing a Monthly Self-Breast Exam

It’s recommended that women of all ages examine their breasts every month. When you perform a monthly self-breast exam, you become more knowledgeable of what is normal for your body. You can also detect any changes more quickly if you’re constantly watching out for any warning signs. Here are three methods for at-home breast exams.

self breast exam-shower

In the shower

While standing in the shower, use the pads of your fingers to move around the entire breast in a circular motion. Move your fingers from the outside of the breast to the center. Check the whole breast, as well as the armpit area. Examine the breasts for any lumps, thickening, or hardened knots. If you notice any of these changes in your breast tissue, contact your healthcare provider to perform a full medical evaluation.

self breast exam-mirror

In front of a mirror

Next, stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your side. Visually inspect your breasts to look for any abnormal lumps or changes. Then, lift your arms high over your head. Again, look for any changes in the way the breasts look, their contour, swelling or dimpling in the skin, or changes in the nipples. Last, rest your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Examine the breasts again for any dimpling or changes, especially changes that only are noticeable on one side.

self breast exam-laying down

Lying down

Lie down; place a pillow under your right shoulder, and place your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your breasts in a gentle circular motion. Feel the entire breast and armpit area. Use different amounts of pressure to look for any lumps. Then, squeeze the nipple to check for any abnormal discharge or lumps. Repeat on the other side.

To download our breast self-check card to use a guide and reminder for your monthly exams, click here.

The Importance of Self-Breast Exams and Mammograms

Self-breast exams are important for you to understand your body and be the first to detect any abnormal changes. However, mammograms are just as crucial for breast cancer prevention. These screening tests can detect tumors before human hands. Cancer screening through mammograms is important for early detection, so ask your doctor when is the best time to start getting your mammogram procedure.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada is dedicated to educating and treating cancer patients and their loved ones. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, visit us at cccnevada.com or call us at (702) 952-3350 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about cancer prevention and cancer treatment, check out our patient resources page.

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